A magnificent house in a magnificent setting - that, in a nutshell, is Claonaig Lodge near Tarbert on the Mull of Kintyre in Western Scotland. It stands quite alone in extensive gardens in a commanding position on the hillside above Kilbrannan Sound, with fabulous views across to the mountains of Arran beyond.
The house is accessed via the little single track and very scenic road down the east side of the Sound. There is a wide gravel area to the front with parking for several vehicles or even a boat.
Inside it is spacious, bright and beautifully furnished. The large farmhouse-style dining kitchen has an electric Aga and further electric cooker, as well as French doors to the garden, and there is a separate utility room. The sitting room has a wood burner to augment the oil central heating. There is also a downstairs (ziplink) double bedroom and adjacent cloakroom. Upstairs are three more bedrooms, all ziplink and one with en-suite shower, and a family bathroom. A large double garage adjoins the house, where there is secure storage for bikes and equipment and a pool table. With broadband as well, there really is very little left to wish for!
The owners, keen golfers, bought the house for their own eventual use, and it is within a 45 minute drive of the spectacular golf courses and beaches at Machrihanish, a spot also very popular with surfers. Nearer to hand, Tarbert also has a course, as well as a riding centre, shops and some excellent pubs and restaurants specialising in the local seafood.
There is splendid walking in the surrounding hills, while excursions include trips to the end of the Kintyre peninsula, perhaps continuing down the little road to the pretty village of Carradale with its beach and harbour, enjoying the stunning views on the way.
You don't have to content yourself with just looking, however, for in summer a ferry runs between Claonaig, just down the road, and Lochranza on Arran. The Lodge could scarcely be better situated for a spot of island-hopping in fact. From Kennacraig (4m) you can catch the ferry to Islay with its amazing bird life and no less amazing distilleries, and from Tayinloan to the little island of Gigha, famous for its Achamore Gardens. From Tarbert, another ferry takes you over to Portavadie, from where you can explore the Kyles of Bute and the island of Bute itself. Thinking about it, from Claonaig Lodge you actually have ready access to a huge amount of some of the best of Scotland, and a superb place to come home to at the end of your busy day.
Bed linen, towels, and the first £20 each of of oil central heating and electricity are INCLUDED in the rental. Pets are welcome by arrangement. Sorry, no cats. Smoking is not permitted in the house. Water is from a private spring which is UV filtered but can be peaty, particularly after rain. Wi-Fi is available, subject to provider.
